Kingdom Kampala management has shifted responsibility for the shortcomings at Mesach Ssemakula’s ‘50 Years of Greatness’ concert to the organisers, saying it fulfilled its agreed obligations as the venue provider.
The statement follows complaints from concertgoers over disruptions caused by rain, seating difficulties and other reported shortcomings during the concert held on November 13, 2026.
In a public statement dated November 15, Kingdom Kampala management said the organisers were responsible for providing tents, chairs, tables, ticketing, food, beverages and event security, while its role was limited to providing the venue.
“We sympathise with affected concertgoers, who deserved a comfortable, well-organised experience,” management said.
However, it dismissed claims that it had banned tents or rain cover, clarifying that its objection concerned the removal of paving stones to accommodate temporary installations.
Management said it had advised the organisers to obtain a tent system that would protect the venue’s paving and established landscaping.
It also cited footage from the concert showing a VIP seating platform installed without removing the paving stones, but with the section remaining uncovered.
According to the statement, Ssemakula approached the management in April 2026 and was granted a Shs5m discount on the venue booking. He was reportedly informed that Kingdom Kampala was an office and commercial property offering venue hire, rather than hotel event services.
Management further said it requested a written stage layout on April 23, 2026, although the document was not shared. It added that discussions on preparations and site adjustments continued directly with the musician.
On November 4, management also accommodated a request to remove some internal fencing, despite the adjustment falling outside the original arrangements.
The statement comes amid public debate over the concert experience, with management insisting that the shortcomings should be attributed to the organisers rather than the venue.
To defend its capacity to host entertainment events, Kingdom Kampala cited several previous successful functions, including Salvador’s Africa Laughs Season 7 in October 2025.
It also pointed to events hosted across the Ruparelia Group’s Speke Group hospitality portfolio, including Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Resort Convention Centre and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.
Management said it remained committed to supporting Uganda’s entertainment industry and serving as a trusted destination for event organisers and guests.
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